Senior Director of Administration and Operations

About Village Health Works (VHW)

Village Health Works is a U.S.-based, Burundi-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, community-driven health, education, and development services in one of the world’s most resource-constrained settings. Founded on the belief that health and education are inextricably linked, VHW provides integrated services that address the root causes of poverty, including malnutrition, gender-based violence, and inadequate access to quality education.

With a 40-acre campus in Kigutu and a growing national footprint, VHW’s programs include a modern hospital, mental health services, agricultural and nutrition programs, and Kigutu International Academy—a world-class boarding school focused on holistic, values-based education.

About the Position:

The Senior Director of Administration and Operations leads administrative, infrastructure, and operational functions for Village Health Works in Burundi. This role ensures the smooth functioning and strategic growth of facilities, procurement systems, logistics, risk management, compliance, IT infrastructure, and data-driven operations, all in support of the organization’s healthcare, education, and community development mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development – 20%

• Lead the development and execution of annual operational plans aligned with VHW’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on long-term planning and sustainability initiatives.
• Define operational KPIs and contribute to policy development, SOP standardization, and decision-making frameworks.

Infrastructure, Facilities & Security Management – 20%

• Oversee the maintenance, renovation, and improvement of all physical infrastructure, including the hospital, the academy, housing, and community structures.
• Develop and implement annual facility maintenance and security plans.
• Ensure workplace safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and business continuity plans are current and effective.

Procurement, Supply Chain & Logistics – 20%

• Lead and monitor procurement and logistics functions for local and international acquisitions.
• Establish procurement plans, supplier agreements, and inventory controls to minimize delays and wastage.
• Ensure compliance with tax and customs regulations and prevent bottlenecks at entry points.

Legal, Compliance & Risk Management – 15%

• Ensure full compliance with Burundian laws and applicable donor and grant conditions.
• Oversee the renewal and coverage of institutional insurance policies.
• Support contract negotiation, legal reviews, and institutional risk assessments, collaborating with legal counsel as needed.

Financial Oversight & Budget Coordination – 10%

• Support operational budgeting and financial forecasting with the Finance team.
• Provide financial insights for capital projects, infrastructure development, and grant proposals.
• Ensure accountability through budget tracking and expenditure reviews across departments.

Systems, IT, and Data Management – 10%

• Oversee IT systems, network reliability, and data security across all departments.
• Guide the implementation and optimization of tools for asset management, inventory, and reporting.
• Champion a culture of data-driven decision-making by standardizing operational dashboards and performance monitoring.

Ethics, Internal Controls & Organizational Culture – 5%

• Uphold ethical standards and anti-corruption policies throughout operational departments.
• Facilitate regular training and staff awareness on professional conduct, asset stewardship, and internal controls.
• Support internal audits and the development of control systems that minimize operational risk.

Required Qualifications:

• At least ten (10) years in senior-level operations roles, preferably in Africa or low-resource settings.
• Experience managing infrastructure, procurement, logistics, compliance, and IT systems.
• Demonstrated success in leading capital projects and implementing efficient systems.
• Strong financial understanding and ability to support budget planning and analysis.
• Fluency in English and French required; Kirundi or Swahili preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP or digital operations platforms is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor direct reports, fostering their professional growth and aligning team performance with the strategic objectives of Village Health Works.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include housing or housing allowance, health insurance, relocation support, and annual leave.
• Professional development and in-country transport support.

How to Apply:

Send a CV/resume, cover letter, three (3) references (including one (1) former supervisor), and salary expectations to ymorgan@villagehealthworks.org and jobs@villagehealthworks.org with the subject line: Senior Director of Administration and Operations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Burundian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Village Health Works is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Burundian nationals, and individuals from underrepresented communities.

Burundian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.